“Dirty Soda” is Cleaning Up in the Beverage Industry: How a Utah Trend is Fueling Innovation at PepsiCo and McDonald’s
Table of Contents
- 1. “Dirty Soda” is Cleaning Up in the Beverage Industry: How a Utah Trend is Fueling Innovation at PepsiCo and McDonald’s
- 2. How is Swig by The Juice LabS business model contributing to the popularity of dirty soda beyond its initial regional success?
- 3. The Rise of Dirty Soda: How Swig by The Juice Lab, Taco Bell, & PepsiCo Are Leading the Trend
- 4. What Is Dirty Soda? A Refreshing Breakdown
- 5. The Utah Origins: Swig by The Juice Lab & the Dirty Soda Craze
- 6. Taco Bell Jumps on the Bandwagon: A Fast-Food Twist
- 7. PepsiCo’s Play: National Distribution & Ready-to-Drink Options
- 8. The Appeal: why is Dirty Soda So Popular?
- 9. Beyond the Basics: Dirty Soda Variations & Recipes
- 10. The Future of Dirty Soda: Trends to Watch
chicago, IL – September 27, 2025 – Fifteen years after Utah-based drink chain swig coined the term “dirty soda,” the trend is experiencing a nationwide surge, injecting fresh energy into a traditionally sluggish beverage market. From industry giants like PepsiCo to fast-food behemoths like mcdonald’s, companies are scrambling to capitalize on the growing consumer demand for this customizable and surprisingly popular drink.
“Dirty soda” isn’t about questionable ingredients; it’s a playful concoction built on a base of soda, layered with flavored syrups, and finished with a splash of cream or other additions. while Swig holds the trademark, the trend’s explosive growth is largely attributed to viral TikTok videos and exposure through reality television, specifically “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” quickly outpacing even Swig’s own expansion.
Today,consumers can find variations of dirty soda in grocery stores and fast-food restaurants across the contry.PepsiCo is doubling down on the trend, preparing to launch two new ready-to-drink dirty soda-inspired beverages – Dirty Dew and Mug Floats vanilla howler – at the National Association of convenience Stores trade show in Chicago. This follows the earlier release of Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream, signaling a notable investment in the category.
“I think it’s a great possibility for people like us, like PepsiCo, and for consumers to experience soda in a new way – and in some ways, an old way,” explained Mark Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer for Pepsi Beverages North America. He draws parallels to classic treats like root beer floats and the nostalgic soda shops of the past, suggesting a return to simpler, more indulgent beverage experiences.
The appeal extends beyond beverage companies. Data from Datassential reveals that 2.7% of U.S. eateries already offer carbonated soft drinks incorporating cream or milk, demonstrating a broader industry recognition of the trend.
The rise of dirty soda represents a clever adaptation to changing consumer preferences,offering customization and a touch of novelty in a saturated market. As PepsiCo and others continue to innovate, expect to see this Utah-born trend continue to bubble up across the nation.
How is Swig by The Juice LabS business model contributing to the popularity of dirty soda beyond its initial regional success?
The Rise of Dirty Soda: How Swig by The Juice Lab, Taco Bell, & PepsiCo Are Leading the Trend
What Is Dirty Soda? A Refreshing Breakdown
Dirty soda, also known as “dirty Dr. Pepper” or simply “dirty soda,” isn’t about questionable ingredients. It’s a surprisingly simple customization: soda mixed with coconut syrup and a splash of cream. This seemingly basic combination has exploded in popularity, moving from a regional Utah phenomenon to a nationwide beverage trend. The core appeal lies in its customizable sweetness and creamy texture, offering a unique choice to traditional soft drinks.Key search terms driving interest include “dirty soda recipe,” “Swig dirty soda,” and “Taco Bell dirty soda.”
The Utah Origins: Swig by The Juice Lab & the Dirty Soda Craze
The story of dirty soda begins with Swig by The Juice Lab, a Utah-based drive-thru soda shop. Founded in 2010, Swig didn’t invent the drink, but they undeniably popularized it.Customers began requesting dr. Pepper with coconut syrup and cream, and Swig officially added it to the menu.
* Early Adoption: Swig’s success hinged on embracing customer requests and building a loyal following through social media, notably Instagram and TikTok.
* Customization is Key: Swig offers a vast array of soda flavors, syrups (beyond coconut!), and cream options, allowing customers to create their perfect dirty soda. This personalization is a major draw.
* Expansion Beyond utah: Swig has been strategically expanding beyond its Utah base, opening locations in Arizona, colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Texas, fueling the national dirty soda conversation.
Taco Bell Jumps on the Bandwagon: A Fast-Food Twist
In late 2023, Taco Bell recognized the growing demand and introduced its own version of dirty soda to select locations. this move substantially broadened the drink’s reach, bringing it to a wider audience accustomed to fast-food customization.
* Limited-Time Offer: Taco Bell initially launched dirty soda as a limited-time offering, generating buzz and encouraging trial.
* Dr. Pepper Focus: taco Bell’s version primarily centers around Dr. Pepper, mirroring the original Utah popularity.
* Social Media Impact: Taco Bell’s announcement and customer reviews on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) amplified the dirty soda trend. Searches for “Taco Bell dirty soda” spiked following the launch.
PepsiCo’s Play: National Distribution & Ready-to-Drink Options
PepsiCo, a beverage industry giant, entered the dirty soda arena in 2024 with the launch of its own ready-to-drink (RTD) dirty soda line under the Pepsi brand. This marked a pivotal moment, signaling the trend’s mainstream acceptance.
* RTD Convenience: Pepsi’s RTD cans offer a convenient, pre-mixed option for consumers who want to enjoy dirty soda without customization.
* flavor Variety: PepsiCo launched with multiple flavors, including Dr. Pepper, Cherry, and Vanilla, catering to diverse preferences.
* Mass Market Reach: PepsiCo’s extensive distribution network ensures that its dirty soda products are available in grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines nationwide. This is a significant step beyond the regional focus of Swig and the limited availability at Taco Bell.
The Appeal: why is Dirty Soda So Popular?
several factors contribute to the dirty soda phenomenon:
* Nostalgia: Dr. Pepper, a core ingredient in many dirty soda variations, evokes a sense of nostalgia for many consumers.
* Customization: The ability to personalize the drink with different sodas, syrups, and cream levels appeals to a desire for individual expression.
* Social Media Influence: TikTok and Instagram have played a crucial role in spreading awareness and showcasing creative dirty soda combinations. #DirtySoda has millions of views.
* Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet soda, creamy coconut, and a touch of cream creates a unique and satisfying flavor experience.
* Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Dirty soda provides a flavorful and satisfying non-alcoholic option for social gatherings.
Beyond the Basics: Dirty Soda Variations & Recipes
While the classic dirty soda recipe remains popular,variations abound:
* Different Sodas: Experiment with Mountain Dew,Sprite,or Coca-Cola as the base.
* Syrup Swaps: Try vanilla, strawberry, or raspberry syrup instead of coconut.
* Cream Alternatives: Use half-and-half, flavored creamers, or even cold foam.
* Sparkling Flavored Water: for a lighter option, use sparkling water instead of soda.
The Future of Dirty Soda: Trends to Watch
The dirty soda trend shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s
